Take part in an abseil for sick children (From Swindon Advertiser)

Take part in an abseil for sick children

5:29pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News By Katie Bond

HOT ON the heels of the successful abseil at the Great Western Hospital in December comes another event to raise money for the new Children’s Emergency Department.

Between April and October this year refurbishment will take place in the Emergency Department at the GWH to modernise it and create a better environment for patients and staff. A new Paediatric Emergency Department will also be created, where children will be able to be seen and treated in a separate part of ED away from adults in a more appropriate setting for their age, with the benefit of dedicated staff on hand.

Hannah Persaud, the fundraising manager at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “Our abseil back in December last year as part of our 10 year anniversary was a big success, over 70 people took part and we raised over £15,000. “Children make up 24 per cent of patients in emergency care settings, but their experiences within Emergency Departments are often remembered as stressful one.

“Through the abseil in May we hope to raise money to help kit out the Paediatric Emergency Department once it has been built with furnishings, décor and little extras like toys, child-sized tables and books, all to help create a friendly and calm environment for children.”

All participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of £100 to take part and a prize will be given to the individual and team who raise the most money.

Hannah said: “Taking part in this abseil is a fantastic way to support us, raising money for a great cause whilst also embracing the challenge of a lifetime. “There is no doubt that this will be a day to remember, soaring 90 feet in the air with the whole of Wiltshire at your feet.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the abseil, which takes place on May 18, should contact Hannah Persaud on 01793 605631 for an entry form or email fundraising@gwh.nhs.uk. Places in the charity abseil are based on a first come, first served basis. Entry forms can be downloaded from the website where there is more information on the abseil and other fundraising events. Visit www.gwh.nhs.uk/support-us.